Almond and Dates cookies

INGREDIENTS 

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

- 1/4 cup ground almonds

- 1/4 cup chopped dates

- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

- Pinch of salt

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners' sugar, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla extract.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Fold in chopped dates.

5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.

7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious almond and date cookies!

BAKING HACKS 

1. Use high-quality dates: Fresh, plump dates will give a better flavor and texture than dry, stale ones.

2. Toast the almonds: Toasting the almonds before grinding them will enhance their flavor and aroma.

3. Use the right sugar: Confectioners' sugar will give a smoother texture than granulated sugar.

4. Don't overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients come together; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

5. Chill the dough: Chilling the dough will help the cookies retain their shape and bake up with a better texture.

6. Use parchment paper: Parchment paper will prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and make cleanup easier.

7. Don't overbake: Bake the cookies until they're lightly golden; overbaking will make them dry and crumbly.

8. Add a sprinkle of sea salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt will balance the sweetness of the cookies and add a touch of flavor.

9. Use the right baking temperature: Baking at the right temperature (350°F) will help the cookies bake evenly and prevent burning.

10. Store them properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and soft for longer.

By incorporating these hacks, you'll achieve perfectly baked almond and date cookies with a delicious texture and flavor!

NUTRITIONAL BREAKDOWN 

per cookie

- Calories: 120-150

- Macronutrients:

    - Carbohydrates: 20-25g

    - Protein: 2-3g

    - Fat: 8-10g

- Micronutrients:

    - Fiber: 2-3g

    - Sugar: 8-10g

    - Sodium: 50-100mg

- Vitamins and minerals:

    - Vitamin E: 10-15% of the Daily Value (DV)

    - Magnesium: 10-15% of the DV

    - Potassium: 8-10% of the DV

    - Iron: 5-10% of the DV

Please note that this breakdown is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and cooking methods. Additionally, it's worth noting that while these cookies do contain some nutrients, they are still a treat and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.